However, these are common to many other conditions.
The healthcare provider will assess your physical condition and review your medical history.
Further diagnostic procedures may involve blood, urine, stool, and imaging tests.
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Diverticular disease usually doesnt cause any symptoms.
Sometimes the diverticula can become infected or inflamed (called diverticulitis) and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain.
If youve been told you have diverticula or diverticular disease, its important to provide that history.
However, the symptoms of diverticulitis can be similar to many other conditions.
For that reason, there is usually a need for testing to be sure that it is diverticulitis.
A healthcare provider may use one or more tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Blood Test
A blood test that measuresC-reactive protein (CRP)may be helpful in diagnosing diverticulitis.
CRP is a protein in the blood produced by the liver.
It becomes elevated when there is inflammation somewhere in the body.
A high CRP level isnt specific to diverticulitis.
Urine Test
A urine test wont be able to diagnose diverticulitis.
Digital Rectal Exam
Adigital rectal examis a test used to feel inside the rectum for abnormalities.
It is a test that may be uncomfortable.
It is also helpful in telling between complicated or uncomplicated diverticulitis.
In addition, it has good specificity, meaning that the chances of misdiagnosis are lower.
It can also be done relatively quickly.
In cases of acute diverticulitis, a CT scan might be done using rectal contrast.
The contrast medium is inserted through the anus and into the rectum.
It can help in seeing if there are any complications in the lower part of the large intestine.
Colonoscopy
Diverticular disease might be found during a routinecolonoscopy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
AnMRIis helpful in diagnosing diverticulitis.
However, it does have some drawbacks.
It can take time to get one scheduled, and completed and its expensive compared to other methods.
It also has the benefit of not using radiation.
However, it might be more time-intensive and difficult to obtain than a CT scan.
Conditions With Similar Symptoms
Symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to other conditions.
Part of diagnosing diverticulitis will be in ruling out other potential problems.
Diverticulosis is when there are diverticula in the colon.
They are common and usually dont cause any symptoms.
In some people, the diverticula can become inflamed or infected.
This is called diverticulitis and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
Therefore, getting an accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis is important to get treatment.
Complications
Diverticulitis can have complications.
If the inflammation keeps returning, there may be an increased risk of serious complications.
The diet might change to soft foods or liquids for a few days until symptoms get better.
If the diverticulitis is serious or complicated, it might need treatment in a hospital.
This could mean pain medications, antibiotics, or other medications given intravenously (IV).
Preventing diverticulitis in the future may be important for some people at risk.
Rarely, surgery may be recommended.
This includes abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
These can be signs of a serious condition that needs treatment right away.
Summary
Diverticulosis is common and, in some cases, may lead to diverticulitis.
People with diverticulitis may have abdominal pain and other digestive symptoms that a healthcare provider should check out.
The diagnostic process will include a physical exam, review of symptoms, and medical history.
A digital rectal exam, blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging tests may be performed.
Many conditions with similar symptoms will need to be considered before making a diagnosis.
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